By LIAM TWOMEY
JOSH Bench didn’t give the coaching staff at Williamstown many options.
On the back of a number of impressive performances for the Seagulls’ development side, the teenager was selected to make his senior debut against the Northern Blues in round 11.
Running out against the likes of AFL listed players Shaun Hampson, Aaron Joseph, Nick Duigan and Robert Warnock may have been daunting for some but Bench wasted no time making himself at home.
The teenager collected 10 disposals, had four marks and laid three tackles as the Seagulls secured an impressive win.
“It was a bit of a surprise when I found out I would be playing. I was really shocked but I was pretty rapt as well,” Bench said.
“That is what I have been working towards all year, so I couldn’t be happier.
“It was a big step up playing against a few of the AFL boys. You sort of play to their standard a bit so you’ve always got someone on you and it felt like it was hard to get away from an opponent and hard to find space.
“It was tough football and definitely a massive step up from development football into the seniors. You could really feel the difference.”
Bench’s impressive start to his first season of senior football is hardly surprising for Williamstown officials after they quickly snapped him up out of TAC Cup region the Western Jets.
After an impressive final season with the Jets, Bench put himself into draft contention before narrowly missing out.
The Albion junior’s next goal was to play in the highest standard competition he could.
“Willy was always where I wanted to be,” Bench said.
“If I didn’t get to go there I probably would have gone back to my local club Albion. But I always wanted to play at the highest level I could.
“It wasn’t too daunting (moving to the VFL).
“With the Jets connection and the Willy connection I had got to know a few of the boys.
“Once you got into the training that was the tough part. It was a big jump and a lot harder.”
After getting his taste of VFL level senior football, one of Bench’s main goals is to cement his spot in the Seagulls’ senior side.
Long-term, reaching the elite level of the AFL is still firmly in his sights.
“Basically it is all about that, trying to hold my spot in the ones. That is what I am working towards,” he said.
“Every kid’s dream is to press for an AFL spot, so that is the aim. If not, then I want to play at Willy as long as I can.”
